Nittany Lions experience challenges

Penn State's leaders on both sides of the ball experienced new challenges when spring practice started last month.

JOE MIEGOC

Penn State's leaders on both sides of the ball experienced new challenges when spring practice started last month.

Quarterback Christian Hackenberg had to deal with the loss of two-time Big Ten Receiver of the Year Allen Robinson, who left Penn State early to enter the NFL draft. Also gone were three offensive linemen and another one went down when guard Miles Dieffenbach suffered a knee injury in practice last week.

Senior Mike Hull, a starter at outside linebacker last year, moved inside as the Nittany Lions look to replace the production of three-year starter Glenn Carson.

Hull, who missed time last season with a knee injury, played some in the middle as a sophomore so it's not brand new to him. He has had to step up his role from being a leader by example to becoming more vocal as the quarterback of Penn State's defense.

"I think that's the biggest thing," Hull said during a teleconference Thursday. "Last year I was a lead-by-example guy. Now I realize I have to step up and talk and get everybody where they need to be. I think it's gone really well over the last couple weeks and I think I've been getting the hang of it."

Hackenberg has done the same for Penn State's offense, which has to find a way to replace the production of Robinson.

When Robinson declared for the draft he ended a brilliant two-year run as the star of the Nittany Lions' passing game. During that time he caught 174 passes for 2,450 yards and 17 touchdowns. One player won't be able to offset Robinson's loss so Penn State will depend on a number of receivers to raise their games.

"There's a lot of guys I could name, but the whole receiving corps has stepped up as well as the guys at tight end," said Hackenberg, last season's Big Ten Freshman of the Year.

Hackenberg and the rest of the offense will only be as good as the line allows them to be.

Three-year starting guard John Urschel is gone along with center Ty Howle, and right tackles Adam Gress and Garry Gilliam. Left tackle Donovan Smith is back, but the loss of Dieffenbach hurts a unit that was already short on experience to begin with. Hackenberg still likes what he's seen this spring from those who will give him time to throw the ball.

"They're working really hard, doing a fantastic job," Hackenberg said. "It's hard for them because they're learning all new protections, blocking schemes. New guys are stepping up, filling holes. Their progression has been impressive."

Hull has seen similar strides made among the linebackers.

Sophomores Nyeem Wartman and Brandon Bell both started last year, and Ben Kline has plenty of experience, too. Sophomore Gary Wooten has also opened some eyes.

"It's been a huge difference," Hull said. "I think the new staff, with the way they coach and their style, has really helped him flourish. He's made huge strides. He's always had the physical tools to be great. He's just putting it all together right now."